CVE-2023-2449 in UserPro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2023
The UserPro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized password resets in versions up to, and including 5.1.1. This is due to the plugin using native password reset functionality, with insufficient validation on the password reset function (userpro_process_form). The function uses the plaintext value of a password reset key instead of a hashed value which means it can easily be retrieved and subsequently used. An attacker can leverage CVE-2023-2448 and CVE-2023-2446, or another vulnerability like SQL Injection in another plugin or theme installed on the site to successfully exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The UserPro plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability that undermines the integrity of password reset mechanisms through improper validation of reset keys. This weakness exists in versions up to and including 5.1.1, creating a pathway for unauthorized account access that directly violates fundamental security principles. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's implementation of the userpro_process_form function which fails to properly validate password reset tokens, instead accepting plaintext values that can be easily extracted and exploited by malicious actors. The flaw represents a clear violation of security best practices for authentication mechanisms and creates a significant attack surface for credential compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the lack of proper token validation by directly retrieving the plaintext password reset key from the system. This weakness specifically enables an attacker to bypass normal authentication controls and gain unauthorized access to user accounts without requiring legitimate credentials. The vulnerability's exploitation is significantly amplified when combined with other security flaws such as CVE-2023-2448 and CVE-2023-2446, which together create a comprehensive attack vector that can be leveraged to achieve full account compromise. The use of plaintext password reset keys violates core security principles and creates an environment where attackers can systematically target user accounts across the affected WordPress installation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates severe implications for organizations relying on WordPress platforms with the UserPro plugin, as it enables unauthorized access to user accounts and potentially sensitive data. The impact extends beyond individual account compromise to include potential data breaches, privilege escalation opportunities, and broader system infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform account takeover operations, access restricted content, and potentially use compromised accounts as entry points for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under credential access and privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of valid credentials for unauthorized access.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate action including upgrading to a patched version of the UserPro plugin, implementing proper token validation mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all WordPress installations. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as rate limiting for password reset requests, enhanced monitoring of authentication activities, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and token handling in authentication systems, aligning with CWE categories related to improper input validation and weak cryptographic practices. Security teams should prioritize this vulnerability in their remediation efforts and consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts against password reset mechanisms.